We recently had a beautiful platypus in urgent need of help come through our emergency after‑hours wildlife clinic. Two concerned fishermen discovered the platypus tangled in fishing line and assorted debris (including what appeared to be insulation material). He also had a three‑pronged fishing lure embedded in his front flipper. Because platypuses rely heavily on their front flippers for propulsion and foraging, this was a significant and potentially life‑threatening injury.
After arriving at our clinic, the platypus was safely anaesthetised so Dr Claire could carefully remove the hook. Our team provided fluids, pain relief and thorough wound management to stabilise him. With a critical injury to such an essential limb, we were initially unsure about his long‑term prognosis.
Thankfully, we were incredibly fortunate to have Dr Larry Vogelnest (former Senior Veterinarian at Taronga Zoo) assess him locally. Dr Vogelnest was able to give us an initial all‑clear and invaluable guidance for his ongoing care.
The next morning, he was transferred to Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital for further work‑up. Shortly after, he made his way to Taronga Zoo with Dr Jackie Reed, where specialist facilities (and a full “platypus menu”) were ready and waiting for him.
We’re happy to share that he’s currently recovering well. Over time, the team will continue to monitor how his injured flipper heals. Because wild platypuses rely so heavily on strong, fully functional front flippers for swimming, diving and finding food, his eventual release will depend on how well he regains strength and mobility. If returning to the wild isn’t possible, he will have a safe forever home at Taronga, where he’ll continue to receive exceptional care.
How Discarded Fishing Gear Affects Our Wildlife
This case is also an important reminder of the very real dangers discarded fishing gear poses to our native wildlife. Fishing hooks, lines, sinkers and lures don’t stop being hazardous once they’re out of sight. They persist in waterways for months or even years, creating ongoing risks. Animals may become entangled, ingest sharp materials or suffer severe wounds from embedded hooks, often leading to infection, restricted movement, starvation or drowning.
Platypuses are particularly vulnerable. Their natural feeding behaviours make it easy for them to encounter lost or discarded gear. Even a small length of fishing line can wrap tightly around a limb, cutting into skin and compromising circulation. Multi‑pronged lures, like the one our patient encountered, can cause deep puncture wounds that affect swimming and foraging.
And the impact isn’t limited to platypuses. Freshwater turtles, waterbirds, eels, and even pets can be harmed by improper disposal of fishing equipment. Wildlife hospitals across Australia regularly treat animals suffering from preventable fishing‑related injuries. You can help protect wildlife by taking simple, responsible steps when spending time near waterways:
- Collect all fishing line, hooks and packaging, even if you notice rubbish that isn’t yours
- Use designated disposal bins, especially those designed for fishing line, whenever available
- Check your surroundings before casting to avoid snagging vegetation or wildlife
- Retrieve lost line when it’s safe to do so, or alert local authorities if larger tangles are spotted
- Choose wildlife‑friendly gear.
Every small action at the water’s edge makes a big difference. With community awareness and care, we can help prevent injuries like the one this little platypus endured and keep our ecosystems healthy for the future.